Takata airbags, infamous for their deadly defects, are once again in the spotlight as Volkswagen has issued a recall for 114,478 vehicles equipped with faulty Takata driver's side front airbag inflators. The affected models include the 2006-2007 Passat, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017-2019 Beetle, and 2017-2019 Beetle Convertible, along with a specific 2017 Passat Wagon.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified a potential risk of the airbag inflators exploding due to the degradation of propellant over time, particularly when exposed to high humidity, high temperatures, and temperature fluctuations. Such an explosion could result in the ejection of deadly shrapnel, posing serious injury or even death to the driver and other occupants.
While the issue of faulty Takata airbags is not new, Volkswagen and the NHTSA have conducted a recent review of the safety and longevity of desiccated Takata airbag inflators. Volkswagen's internal testing indicated satisfactory performance, and no defects were identified. However, out of an abundance of caution, the automaker, in consultation with the NHTSA, has decided to initiate a recall.
It's important to note that this recall is not as urgent as previous ones, where owners were advised to immediately cease driving their vehicles. The NHTSA has determined that the current airbag inflators do not pose an immediate and unreasonable risk to safety.
The recall stems from a long-standing agreement between Volkswagen and the NHTSA, which outlined a phased approach to addressing the Takata airbag issue. The affected vehicles may contain either original equipment or replacement parts, but Volkswagen has not reported any specific incidents related to these components.
Owners of the affected vehicles are expected to receive notification later this year. Dealers will then replace the faulty driver's side front airbag module with a safer alternative that does not contain ammonium nitrate.